Universal Multi-wearable interface for an Infusion System

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally relates to a universal interface for an infusion system. Specifically it relates to a new carrier system for an infusion system with improved wearing comfort and handling.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No: 60/979,279 filed on Oct. 11, 2007, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a universal interface for aninfusion system. Specifically it relates to a new carrier system for aninfusion system with improved wearing comfort and handling.

BACKGROUND

Medical devices that pump medication into an individual is known andcommonly used in the medical industry. Typically the medication that isdelivered from such medical devices depends on the medical conditionthat is sought to be treated. For example, it is getting increasinglycommon to deliver insulin using an insulin pump to treat a diabeticpatient.

Typically, the medical pump devices use a reservoir or a cartridge thatcontains the medicine to be delivered. Due to miniaturization ofproducts there is an expectation that such infusion systems that carrythe medication would be smaller thereby making the ability to wear andoperate the system more discreet. As different users would like to hidethe infusion system in different places, it is important to provide aninterface that will allow a user this flexibility.

Therefore there is a need in the industry to design a an interface wherethe infusion system can be properly carried by the user, does not hinderin the proper operation of the infusion device and is comfortable forcarrying on the body of the user.

SUMMARY

It is against the above background that the present invention provescertain unobvious advantages and advancements over the prior art.

The present invention generally relates to an interface for carrying aninfusion system on a user such that the infusion system can be concealedfrom view. In particular, the interface is designed with improvedwearing comfort and handling.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bemore fully understood from the following detailed description of theinvention taken together with the accompanying claims. It is noted thatthe scope of the claims is definitely by the recitations therein and notby the specific discussion of the features and advantages set forth inthe present description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of the embodiments of the presentinvention can be best understood when read in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a textile carrying system according toone aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carrying system that is integratedinto the clothes of the user according to another aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a double patch system according toanother aspect of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an expanded view of introducing the infusion pump into thetextile carrier in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 is perspective view of the infusion pump inside the textilecarrier in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 6 and 6A are top view plan of an infusion pump on a patch clipcarrier;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the double patch system in accordancewith the teachings of the present invention;

FIGS. 8 TO 11 show different views of a textile holster in accordancewith the teachings of the invention;

FIGS. 12 TO 14 show different views of a textile triangle in accordancewith the teachings of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a textile neckband in accordance withthe teachings of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a textile neckband with a hanger inaccordance with the teachings of the invention;

FIGS. 17 and 18 show different views of a textile carrier with anadhesive coating paste; and

FIGS. 19 to 25 represent different forms and places a textile carriercan be carried by a user.

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustratedfor simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may beexaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding ofthe embodiment(s) of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention orits application or uses.

The present invention generally relates to a small size infusion systemto be carried on the body of a user using an interface that allows foran increased comfort of carrying the infusion system and for discreetoperation of the infusion system.

Referring in particular to FIG. 1, an infusion system is generallyshown. The infusion system comprises an infusion pump or a unit 2, atube or a catheter 12, and an infusion set 13. As shown, the infusionpump 12 is connected to the infusion set 13 via the tube 12. Althoughnot shown in the drawing, the infusion pump 2 comprises a fluid storingdevice and the medication is delivered from the fluid storing devicethrough the infusion set 13.

Although not expressly shown in the figures, the infusion pump 2 has atleast one control to control the infusion of medication from fluidstoring means. Alternatively, the infusion pump 2 may have display andcontrols or be void of both display and controls. Although not shown inthe drawings the infusion pump 2 may be controlled remotely to dispensemedication using a remote control device such as a smart phone, a PDA orany other mobile devices. Although not specifically mentioned, theinfusion pump 120 may be a one time use pump such that after thedispensing of the medication the pump is disposed.

In accordance with this invention, there are 3 possibilities to carrythe infusion pump close to the body: directly stick the infusion pump onthe skin using a carrier system such as a patch clip, wear it withdifferent textile carrying systems or integrate it in clothes.

In order to give maximum flexibility to the users, different carryingsystems need to be optimized for different everyday situations (Sport,Office, Driving, etc). Since it is not possible to expect a user toexchange a carrier system depending on the activity they are engaged in,it is important to design an universal easy (dis)connectable interfacebetween the infusion pump and the different carrying systems (patchclip, textile carrying and integrated in clothes systems).

Multi-wearability of the interface signifies different ways in which theinfusion pump can be carried. For example, the infusion pump may becarried in a conventional way, or to adhere the pump on directly on theskin or to carry it with ergonomic textile carrying systems or tointegrate it in the everyday clothes. In order to have an interface, theinfusion pump may have a mechanical durable part for example a pressbutton 6 as shown in FIG. 4 is integrated in the infusion pump housingto connect the infusion pump to different carrying systems.

In order to achieve connectibility with different carrying systems it'snecessary to separate these the pump 2 from the infusion set 13. Thedisposable insulin path has the unique function to transport insulin asin conventional actual insulin pumps. A conventional fluid path(reservoir-catheter 12-canula) is appropriate to separate the infusionsite from the carrying site of the infusion pump and permits themultiwearability of the interface.

The preferred solution to allow multiwearability is to use aconventional fluid path containing a reservoir in the infusion pump anda catheter or tube (12) which connects the reservoir with the canula inthe infusion set head (13) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This configurationpermits to separate the fluid path/canula-skin connection of thecarrying system-fluid path/canula connection.

A carrier is an element of the infusion System which attaches or joinsthe infusion unit (2) to a carrying system. As shown in FIG. 4,preferably, the infusion unit 2 is provided with a mechanical attachmentsuch as press button (6) which is integrated into the infusion unit (2)so as not protrude out of the housing of the infusion unit (2). Thismechanical attachment permits to fix the infusion unit (2) on 2different types of carriers: Elastic textile carrier (1) and Patch clipcarrier (10). The elastic textile carrier (1) is fixed on differenttextile carrying systems, could be attached with a small hanger (FIG.16) to a bra or a neckband (FIG. 15) or ironed (FIG. 17, FIG. 18) withan adhesive surface on clothes. The patch clip carrier (10) is fixed ona plaster or adhesive.

Elastic Textile Carrier

The elastic textile carrier (1) is made of a textile or plastic flexiblebase (4) on which is attached an elastic belt (3) through which theinfusion unit (2)can be slided (FIG. 1). The press button with ribbon(5) (female part) locks the press button (6) (male part) on the infusionunit (2).

A textile or plastic hanger (FIG. 16) could be attached at the elastictextile carrier to suspend the infusion unit (2) from a bra, a neckband(FIG. 15) or other accessories. This hanger (FIG. 16) could beopened/closed and adjusted in length with a press button, a Velcro orany other fastener.

On the backside of the elastic textile carrier (1) could additionallyinclude an adhesive coating paste covered with a protective film (FIG.18). In this configuration the elastic textile carrier (1) could bestuck on clothes with heat (ironing for example) which allows theadhesive coating paste to smelt and stick.

Patch Clip Carrier

The patch clip carrier (10) is stuck on skin with a plaster andtherefore has a more rigid structure compared to the elastic textileholder (1). The infusion unit (2)is slided with a rail in this structureand fixed with the same sort of press button as for the elastic textileholder (1). The plaster is attached on the backside of the patch clipcarrier. This configuration is called double patch (FIG. 7) because theinfusion unit (2) and the infusion set head (13) are both stuck on theskin.

Carrying Systems

As shown in the figures the are several types of carrying systems. Forexample, one such carrying system is a Double Patch system (FIG. 3, FIG.7) which consists of sticking the infusion unit (2) onto the body.Textile carrying systems (FIG. 1) are worn under clothes andclothes-integrated carrying systems (FIG. 2) are adhered (FIG. 17, FIG.18) or attached (FIG. 16) on clothes.

Textile Carrying Systems (FIG. 1)

Textile holster (FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11). The textile holsteris made of a light, comfortable tissue and worn directly onto the skin.There are different cuts possible to allow ergonomic qualities. Theelastic textile carrier (FIG. 9) is attached to it to hold the infusionunit (2). The band around the chest is adjustable to differentphysiologies (FIG. 11).

Textile triangle (FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14). The textile triangle is anelastic band worn directly onto the skin. The elastic textile carrier(FIG. 14) is attached to it to hold the infusion unit (2). Elasticity ishigh enough that a broad range of physiologies can wear it. There is thepossibility to make the elastic band adjustable.

Neckband (FIG. 15, FIG. 16). An adjustable band around the neck fromwhich hangs the elastic textile carrier with hanger (FIG. 16). Otherpossible textile carrying systems are showed in different figures. Theelastic textile carrier (1) is attached on the different showed systemsto hold the IU (2).

Clothes-Integrated Carrying Systems (FIG. 2)

Elastic textile carrier with hanger (FIG. 16). The elastic textilecarrier with hanger can be affixed to a bra, other clothes oraccessories.

Elastic textile carrier with adhesive coating paste (FIG. 17, FIG. 18).The elastic textile carrier with adhesive coating paste can be gluedwith a flat iron on clothes. A protective film (FIG. 18) has to beremoved from the adhesive coating paste before ironing.

Double Patch System (FIG. 3).

Double patch system (FIGS. 3, 6, 7). Stick the IU (2) on the skin. Thepress button (5 & 6) allows it to fix the IU (2) on the patch clipcarrier (10).

It is noted that terms like “preferably”, “commonly”, and “typically”are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention orto imply that certain features are critical, essential, or evenimportant to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather,these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additionalfeatures that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment ofthe present invention.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it isnoted that the term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent theinherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to anyquantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.The term “substantially” is also utilized herein to represent the degreeby which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated referencewithout resulting in a change in the basic function of the subjectmatter at issue.

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to specificembodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modification andvariations are possible without departing from the scope of theinvention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, althoughsome aspects of the present invention are identified herein as preferredor particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the presentinvention is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of theinvention.

1. A textile carrying case for an infusion pump to pump fluid into thebody of a user, the carrying case comprising: a base that is carried bythe user; an elastic band attached to the base such that the infusionpump is attached to the band.
 2. The carrying case of claim 1, whereinthe base has hooks such that it can be removably attached to the user'sclothing.
 3. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the elastic band isin form of a holster.
 4. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein theelastic band is in form of a neckband.
 5. The carrying case of claim 1,wherein the base further includes an adhesive layer, such that onapplication of heat, it can be attached to the user's clothing.